Pheasants: Status Survey and Conservation Action Plan ... - IUCN

Project 23. Crested argus
(Rheinardia ocellata)
Aims: to conduct further surveys of this species in Laos
and Vietnam; to monitor known populations in Malaysia;
to investigate the taxonomic relationship between the two
subspecies.
Justification: this species occurs in two disjunct populations
(one in Vietnam and Laos, and the other in Taman Negara
National Park in Peninsular Malaysia) and the taxonomic
relationship between the two populations has not yet been
established. There has been a severe decline in this species,
and its populations have become fragmented as a result of
long-term loss of habitat from deforestation inside and
outside protected areas, as well as hunting and trapping in
Indochina. Monitoring programmes are urgently required
to detect future population trends and the reasons for any
further declines.
Project description: further surveys are required in the
range of the nominate subspecies in Vietnam and Laos to
clarify the extent of its distribution. In Malaysia, all
subpopulations of subspecies nigrescens should be
monitored at regular intervals, as should habitat loss from
areas surrounding the national park. Proposals should be
developed to enforce bans on hunting in protected areas
containing this species in Indochina. These should form
part of a wide-ranging conservation awareness programme
to highlight the plight of this species and ways in which its
future can be safeguarded. Taxonomic research should be
conducted to assess the distinctiveness of the two
subspecies.
The crested argus is found in two widely separated populations,
which are becoming fragmented.
Timescale: surveys of any duration will provide useful
information, but a long-term approach should be developed
for the monitoring and conservation awareness work.
Resources: needs will vary depending on the length and
scope of the component projects, with the molecular
taxonomy requiring an experienced researcher and access
to a well-equipped laboratory. Individual surveys, however,
could be conducted relatively easily.
Project 24. Congo peafowl
(Afropavo congensis)
Aims: to survey lesser-known parts of this species’ range; to
monitor populations within three protected areas.
Justification: Congo peafowl is the only pheasant species
native to Africa and, as such, is extremely important from
a conservation point of view. Survey work has shown that
its populations are highly fragmented, and ever more
threatened by the presence of large numbers of mining and
refugee settlements. The western parts of its range still
remain unexplored in recent times. There is an urgent need
to ensure that some viable populations are safeguarded
within protected areas.
Project description: survey work should now concentrate
on the lesser-known southern and western parts of this
species’ range. Known populations within protected areas
(Maiko National Park, Okapi Wildlife Reserve, and
Kahuzi-Biega National Park) should be monitored at
regular intervals. In addition, Salonga National Park should
be explored for its potential role in the conservation of this
species.
Timescale: surveys of any duration will provide useful
additional information, but a long-term approach should
be developed for the monitoring work.
Resources: needs will vary depending on the length and
scope of individual projects, but individual surveys could
be conducted relatively cheaply.
Project 25. Green peafowl (Pavo muticus)
Aims: to conduct surveys in Myanmar and Cambodia; to
advocate the establishment of additional protected areas in
Yunnan and Vietnam; to conduct wide-ranging public
awareness programmes to highlight the vulnerability of this
species to hunting pressure and trade in its train feathers.
M. Khan
Justification: although formerly very widespread and
common, the green peafowl has undergone a massive
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